ABOUT STRONGMIND
Our Values
StrongMind partners with schools and districts to develop forward-thinking solutions that address unique school challenges. With a consultative approach, engaging digital curriculum, a suite of edtech tools, a range of services, and clear insights, we maximize student achievement and help schools thrive. A recent recipient of multiple Digital Promise Research-Design certifications and winner of more than 60 awards, StrongMind innovates into the future of education.
We improve by being open, honest and direct.
We work to achieve great outcomes everyday.
We collectively own the future of StrongMind, and we each strive to make our goals a reality.
Data drives insights, insights drive decisions.
The best ideas come from different voices, view points, and experiences.
We push forward when others turn away.
StrongMind Leadership Team
SENIOR EXECUTIVES
A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Damian leads a growing team of 250+ professionals at StrongMind with the same commitment to community, team, and service demonstrated in the Marines, to ensure all students have access to a quality education. After founding Primavera Online High School in 2001, he realized that existing technology was not delivering the content students deserved, so he founded StrongMind to be a digital solutions provider for Primavera. Through collaboration and innovation, Primavera is now the largest high school in Arizona, serving over 26,000 students annually, and one of the most successful online schools in the country. Under his visionary leadership, StrongMind has evolved beyond its award-winning digital curriculum to becoming a trusted partner in virtual and hybrid learning – providing services from student enrollment and recruitment to turn-key operations solutions.
In 2012, Damian received the Innovator Award from the Aurora Institute (formerly iNacol), for Outstanding Contribution to K-12 Online Learning and two Certificates of Congressional Recognition for leadership and innovation in online education. He was named a 2017 Finalist for the ‘Visionary’ Leadership Award from EdTech Digest.
• B.A. in Spanish from Brigham Young University
• M.B.A. in International Business from Thunderbird International School
• Owner/President Management Program from Harvard Business School
John is a finance and education leader with 25+ years of experience. With a passion for Education, John began his professional career as a high school math teacher and later moved into administration serving as an athletic director, and assistant principal. After working 10 years in K-12 education, John transitioned into higher education where he spent 12 years as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at Grand Canyon University and Assistant Vice President at Arizona State University. Most recently, John served as the CFO at ASU Preparatory Academy. He is the proud father of two daughters and enjoys playing golf, and any/all water activities in his free time.
• B.A. Math Education from Ottawa University
• M.Ed. Educational Leadership from Arizona State University
• M.B.A. Finance from Grand Canyon University
Derek Neighbors is a serial entrepreneur who helps people bring ideas to reality. Derek co-founded Gangplank, a collaborative workspace, in 2008 to help encourage local creatives to explore innovative ideas and create what they are passionate about. He helps companies build high performing teams to compete in the new economy. He has spent time as an executive consultant at companies like Pearson, Intel, GoDaddy, Daktronics and Edgenuity. He is a seasoned executive, leading product/technology at startups like Tanga, Openforce, and BodyBuilding.com. He is a Angel investor and troublemaker of the world. He has served on as the President of multiple non-profits and sits on the many local economic development boards and committees.
• B.E. in Engingeering from Arizona State University
EXECUTIVES
Creative and results driven, Todd has over 30 years of experience in driving growth, innovation, and revenue. Todd leads the marketing teams with StrongMind, specializing in developing strategic initiatives, building high performance teams, and steering marketing and operational excellence. Prior to joining StrongMind, Todd worked as the Vice President of Marketing at Anthem Education Group for 10 years. He also served as the Creative Director for various institutions such as KnowledgeNet, The Martz Agency, and MicroAge developing B2B campaigns and brands for Cisco, Apple, Microsoft, Motorola, and others. He is committed to supporting the mission at StrongMind and helping schools thrive.
• B.F.A. in Advertising & Graphic Design from Ball State University
As Vice President at StrongMind, I am dedicated to transforming education by creating innovative learning experiences that prepare students for success. With a background in higher education publishing, where I was instrumental in bringing digital and online experiences to learners, I now focus on K-12 education, combining curriculum and technology to deliver engaging, impactful solutions. Throughout my career, I have led teams to develop market-driven products that address the needs of educators and students, ensuring that both print and digital solutions provide meaningful value. I am passionate about using technology to bring learning to life, and at StrongMind, I remain committed to delivering transformative educational opportunities that make a real difference in the lives of learners.
• Biola University, BA
• Fresno State University, MSW
Tracy Harelson brings over 25 years of experience in education, including 15 years in educational technology. Throughout her career, she has taken on multiple roles such as teacher, curriculum coach, administrator, Product Manager, Sales Enablement Specialist, Solutions Architect and Community development and engagement roles. Tracy is passionate about supporting and uplifting others while actively engaging students, teachers, administrators, and families to foster academic success. She is dedicated to creating meaningful connections that drive positive outcomes in education.
Adam is a dynamic marketing leader with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative strategies that drive measurable outcomes. With a passion for creativity and a commitment to excellence, he leads teams in crafting impactful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Adam specializes in blending data-driven insights with bold ideas to elevate brand presence and foster meaningful engagement. His collaborative approach and focus on delivering results have consistently driven growth and strengthened organizational goals.
As the Executive Director of Human Resources, Lindsey Odegaard brings 18 years of HR experience, enriched by her background as a D1 collegiate softball player, 2004 Olympic athlete and professional player. Her role involves overseeing HR operations and driving strategic initiatives, focusing on change management, workforce management and full-cycle recruiting. Her leadership style, which blends data-driven decision-making with empathetic leadership, fosters inclusive, high-performance workplace cultures. This approach is instrumental in aligning HR strategies with StrongMind's business objectives, ensuring effective management across multiple states and international locations.
• BA in Psychology from Cal State University, Fullerton
• MS in Human Resources Management; Chapman University
As the Director of Learning Design & Development, Rusty Brandt oversees workflow and production processes, ensuring the delivery of quality content that follows instructional design principles. Prior to joining StrongMind, Rusty spent 16 years in the classroom, teaching students in grades 4 through 8, with several of those years being on the Navajo Reservation in northeastern Arizona. In addition to the classroom, he spent several years overseeing district curriculum and staff development. He went on to join Pearson, where he started out as a content writer, and eventually moved into instructional design, applying sound instructional principles to a variety of literacy products. Rusty also spent five years at Pearson as part of the research and innovation department and was responsible for overseeing and conducting a multitude of research studies with teachers and students to help improve the efficacy of digital products.
• BA in Education from Arizona State University
• MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane College
